''They've stuffed up the whole process of trying to save money - and in my opinion this is just going to be another example of that,'' Mr Legget said.

Mana electorate MP Kris Faafoi said he was appalled by the move.

''News of the departure certainly feels like an assault on Porirua.''

Along with Mr Leggett he issued a request to meet with the Defence Force to discuss the office closure and urge the matter to be reconsidered.

Yesterday a New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson said no jobs would be lost as a result of the move, which would happen when the building's lease expired.

Approximately 150 staff will re-locate from Porirua to other existing Defence Force locations in Wellington during the year, and all had been aware of the move for two years.

''Improving the IT infrastructure of the Defence Force has been a priority for some time and this move will help deliver more robust information and communications support, underpinning Defence activities.''